Good News, Bad News

In the print edition of the Washington Post this morning, above the fold and in the middle, prominently displayed, were photos of three International Women's Day events that took place yesterday, one in India, one in Spain and one right here in D.C. This was the whole story:

"Celebrations and protests marked International Women's Day yesterday. Antiwar activities rallied outside the Iraqi Embassy and marched to the White House to attempt to deliver petitions with more than 100,000 signatures. President Bush accused Iran, North Korea and Burma of suppressing women's rights, and said, "America will help women stand up for their freedom, no matter where they live."

There were no pictures and no story whatsoever in the online W. Post this a.m. so no one outside of the city would know that anything had taken place here at all. Bush did not include Saudi Arabia, one of the world's most repressive regimes towards women, in his accusation. How obvious is that? I guess he means we will stand up for women's rights everywhere except where it means we would have to confront our allies, in which case it will take a back seat, as usual, to other political goals. Things change, yet somehow they fundamentally seem to remain the same.